Indian PM Mr. Modi @ Rainbow Nation- The place where “Mohan Das Gandhi” became “Mahatma Gandhi”

It is an amazing experience .It is always great to listen one’s own prime minister in foreign country. Mr. Modi came to Africa (including 2 days visit in South Africa).He addressed a public meeting in Johannesburg. The meeting was held at Ticket pro dome (a.k.a. Coca Cola dome where FIFA world cup 2010 was inaugurated). 

The entire show was very exciting. Ticket Pro Dome became mini India. There were lots of musical and dance program. The PM arrived at 7.30 and as soon as he entered the stage ”Modi Modi “ wave  echoed inside the dome. Honorable PM started his speech in his famous and unique style “Bhaio or Beheno”(brothers and sisters). Uff next couple of minutes you can’t listen anything.. only claps and “Modi Modi “wave again. What a popularity of our Prime minister in outside of India as well. Honorable PM started in a very positive note. In his 45 mins speech, he highlighted the historical relationship between these two countries. He didn’t forget to mention the Indians who did fight for the political freedom of South Africa. Interesting thing is that today is the day 10^th July (1991), when international sanction against South Africa (which was applied on South Africa due to apartheid) was removed. South Africa came to mainstream of World economics and they first went to Kolkata (India) to play first international cricket match.

Prime minister assured both countries will keep the friendship and will run like Springbok in future in economic and cultural field.  He mentioned how India is growing at 7.25% and aiming to achieve 8% growth rate in next fiscal despite world economic slowdown. His vision about Global India was highly appreciated. He specifically addressed the area where two countries will work in near future (It includes Information Technology, Transportation, health care, Infrastructure, sports etc.).

Being an Expat it was a great experience and hope both the countries will get big benefits after PM’s visit.

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Rand show-Joburg Easter Festival - Part 2

Rand show-Joburg Easter Festival - the biggest outdoor festival of Africa. Let me share some of my memories of 2015 Rand show. 

Parabot. It was 9.7 meter tall and of the biggest attraction of 2015 Rand Show.

Monorail, Animal Kingdom, Food court so many attractions were there in 2015.

Defense show, Big wheel and many more fun....

Thanks for reading !!!

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Rand show-Joburg Easter Festival - Part 1

Rand show is one of the biggest outdoor festivals of the world.It is alternatively called the Rand Easter show.It is an annual show held in johannesburge. The venue is Expo center, Nasrac ,Johannesburg,South Africa.It occurs during the Easter. The show continues for 10 days.

The Rand show broadly consists of below mentioned categories:

1.Man cave

2.Home living

3.Food zone

4.science  and tech

5.Kids zone

6.SA showcase

7.Fashions

8.Health and beauty

9.Garden and outdoor

10.Outdoor adventure

11.Animal Kingdom

12.Big sale

Rand show is a great day out option. There will be a number of non stop entertainments through the show. Get ready to have fun for this year Rand show starting from 25th of March 2016 it will continue till 3rd of April .

In the next post will discuss some memories of 2015 Rand show .

Thanks for reading! 

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Fall color - Fire of Colors

 "Oh my Friend, the fire of Colors have

  caught the Trees in the Forest"

This is a famous line of a poem of Rabindranath Tegore.

Fall colors or colors of autumn leaves is a natural phenomenon. During the weeks of Autumn , green leaves of many trees turn into  red, yellow, purple,orange color.The visual impact of fall color is spectacular. The forest, roads all become colorful.It creates am ambiance of feel good.                          

Where it is seen: The most brightly colored autumn foliage is found many regions. Let's have a quick look on some of them: 

A. Southern mainland Canada;

B. Eastern part of the United States

C. Scandinavia, Northern, and Western Europe north of the Alps

D. Northern and eastern China, as well as Argentina, Chile, southern Brazil, Korea, Japan and New Zealand's South Island.

Which time of the year: Prior to Winter, that is in Autumn. Generally around October in the Northern Hemisphere and April to May in the Southern Hemisphere.

Reason behind it: During Autumn, the days get shorter and shorter. This is how the trees start to begin getting ready for winter. During winter, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer. They begin to shut down their food-generating process. The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. we begin to see yellow ,orange,red and many more colors.

The above few photos were taken during my stay in North Carolina,USA. Enjoy your next  Autumn with fall color.

Thanks!!

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Coastal Bengal - Tajpur a perfect Weekend Getaways

West Bengal a state in eastern India, is diverse, of high peaks of Himalaya in the northern extremes to coastal regions down south. West Bengal is only state in India where Himalayas are in the north and sea is at the south.

A coastal region is on the extreme south of the state. A part of the district of East Midnapore along the Bay of Bengal constitute the coastal plain. This nascent coastal plain is made up of sand and mud deposited by rivers and by wind.

Tajpur, a newly discovered beach is located in East Medinipur,West Bengal. Tajpur is in between two beach town namely Mandarmani and Shankarpur. The main attraction of Tajpur is it's awesome sea beach with a dense forest of casuarina trees. The Sea Beach is fantastic and you can walk throughout the day in the less crowded beach.The sea waves are very enjoyable and perfect for family members.

As in other places in Bengal, one will find good quality foods. You can try fresh crabs, Pomfret, and many other sea food.Have great fun at Tajpur. Enjoy the calm, green forest, Sea.

How to go:

The distance between Kolkata and Tajpur is 170 Kms approximately. From Digha it is 15 KM. It is very easily accessible.

By bus :   There are frequent bus services from Kolkata.

By train : Regular train service also available from Howrah to Digha

By Air  ::   Kolkata International Airport is the nearest Airport. 3 hrs drive from Airport.

Enjoy reading!!

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Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden - Where eagles soar

The Garden has been recognized as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Enjoy the beautiful falls inside garden.

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Charlotte, NC - A Snow day

Charlotte, NC the biggest city in North Carolina, USA. Charlotte definitely gets cold enough to snow, but due to unpredictable weather patterns it doesn't get regular snow in winter. It’s due to the Blue Ridge Mountains blocking it.

But I was lucky enough. During my stay I got good amount of snow in one of the winters. I am sharing couple of photos captured during that time. These pictures are taken in front of my apartment. 

You will definitely enjoy during a snow day in Charlotte.

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Lava - Incredible Bengal

Lava is a small town situated in Kalimpong block, Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal, India. Lava is situated at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet (2,150 m).

The journey to Lava is highly scenic with the change in vegetation. One will be amazed to see the green pine forest throughout the route. Another tourist destination near Lava is Rishyap just 4 km walking distance. Rishyap is famous as a view point of Himalayan peaks. A Buddhist monastery is also there in Lava.

Lava is now one of the favorite tourist destinations in West Bengal. It is one of the few places in West Bengal to receive snow in winter. Tourism has become the source of earning in this region.

Enjoy your days @Lava.

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Ranchi Lake - Beautiful

Ranchi Lake is a beautiful lake.It is located near to the Ranchi city (Capital of Indian State Jharkhand).A view in the evening is awesome. Boating facility is also available.This should be a must visit place in your list once you are exploring this amazing capital city of Jharkhand.

Enjoy!!

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Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa – The Great Master

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay), was a famous mystic of India. His religious school of thought led to the formation of the Ramakrishna Mission by his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda.

On 18 February, 1836, Ramakrishna Paramahansa was born at Kamarpukur, in Bengal. The child was named Gadadhar. He later grew to become Sri Ramakrishna, who was described by Romain Rolland as "the perfection of two thousand years of the spiritual life of three hundred million people".

Sri Ramakrishna taught the world that God can be realized through all religions. This great truth came to him through his direct spiritual experience. Life of Ramakrishna proclaims that all religions lead to the same God.

Let’s read some great quotes of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

      

Ø “Different creeds are but different paths to reach the same God.”

Ø “As long as I live, so long do I learn.”

Ø “Finish the few duties you have at hand, and then you will have peace.”

Ø “Many good sayings are to be found in holy books, but merely reading them will not make one religious.”

Ø “God can be realized through all paths. All religions are true. The important thing is to reach the roof. You can reach it by stone stairs or by wooden stairs or by bamboo steps or by a rope. You can also climb up by a bamboo pole.”

Ø “To work without attachment is to work without the expectation of reward or fear of any punishment in this world or the next. Work so done is a means to the end, and God is the end.”

Ø “Can he rectify false weight whose own scales are uncertain? Can you enlighten your neighbor while you yourself have no light?”

Ø “When the flower blooms, the bees come uninvited.”

Ø “One man may read the Bhagavata by the light of a lamp, and another may commit a forgery by that very light; but the lamp is unaffected. The sun sheds its light on the wicked as well as on the virtuous.”

Ø “You see many stars in the sky at night, but not when the sun rises. Can you therefore say that there are no stars in the heavens during the day? Because you cannot find God in the days of your ignorance, say not that there is no God.”

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Nottingham Wheel - A birds eye view of the surrounding area

Nottingham is a city in Nottinghamshire, England.It is one of the biggest cities in East Midlands. Nottingham Wheel a.k.a Nottingham Eye is  very popular tourist destination. It is located in Old Market Square, city center.

Enjoy Nottingham.Thanks!!

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South Africa - The Rainbow Nation

"Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world."Nelson Mandela

South Africa popularly known as "Rainbow Nation".Enjoy some beautiful Rainbow Pictures. Unity in diversity of South Africa can only be explained by Rainbow only.

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Johannesburg Zoo - Fantastic Family weekend spot

Johannesburg Zoo popularly known as Joburg Zoo located in Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg a must go place. Particularly for the kids, there are so many things to enjoy.

There are many activities running through out the year. There is a night tour available in the zoo as well.

Useful Link: http://www.jhbzoo.org.za/

Have fun. Enjoy your stay @Rainbow Nation.

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An Evening at StoneHaven - Vaal River,Vanderbijlpark,Gauteng,South Africa

Stone Heaven, a perfect weekend place.Near to Johannesburg (1 hr drive) and very easily accessible. The famous Vaal River is the main attraction.

There are plenty activities.The River, Restaurants, Music, Children play zone create always a carnival like ambiance. The most spectacular experience will be Vaal River Boat Cruise ride.The most popular cruises on inland waters in South Africa – is definitely the Vaal River. There are many types of cruise ride.It can be 1 or 2 hr ride.

The boat can be hired for party option as well.The fresh green landscape, cool breeze, amazing scenic beauty will be experienced through out the journey.For more adventure One can participate in many water sport, speed boat ride.

Useful Link : 

http://www.stonehaven.co.za/index.php?page=rivercruises

This will be an awesome experience with full family. Enjoy the River. Have a great weekend.

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No Car please -- It's Sunday @Jakarta

Jakarta the capital city of Indonesia and also one of the biggest cities on the earth, held its first Car-Free Day in 2007.The city is heavily loaded on traffic through out all days. But it successfully deployed the model of car free day held every Sunday since may 2012.

Local pedestrian perform their exercise. Kids generally  walk on the road. Cyclist have their cycling.It is held on the main avenues of the city, Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin from 6AM to 11 AM.

So if you don't see any car on Sunday at Jakarta don't be surprised. Also make your plan accordingly during your stay at Jakarta.Have a lovely, peaceful,traffic less Sunday in Jakarta.Good job Jakarata. Carry on.

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Dhauli - A place where “Chandashoka” or Ashoka the Wicked was transformed into “Dharmashoka” or Ashoka

Dhauli is located on the banks of the river Daya. It is only 10 km away from  Bhubaneswar Capital of Indian State Odisha. Dhauli hill is the area where the famous Kalinga War was fought.

The impact of Kalinga war (Between Emperor Ashoka vs Kalinga Kingdom in 250 BC) was very high.The river was turned red with blood for many days. Emperor Ashoka understood the dark side of the war.He realized the Buddhist principles of non-violence and compassion.He completely transformed from "Chandashoka" to "Dharmashoka".

Today Dhauli is considered a place where Great Emperor Ashoka had rebirth. The place which gives a world a new concept namely "Dharmavijaya" or Conquest by Righteousness. In today's world also where people are fighting among each other, the teachings of Dhauli remain equally relevant.

How to go:Several mode of transportation available. It is well connected via Train, Bus and Airport from Bhubneswar, Kolkata, Puri.
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View of Teesta River - Way to Darjeeling

The Teesta River or Tista is the lifeline of Sikkim,India. Enjoy a beautiful view of it once you are going to  Darjeeling from Kalimpong.

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Panorama of the Kangchenjunga - Tiger Hill, Darjeeling

Panorama of the Kangchenjunga - Tiger Hill, Darjeeling

Tiger Hill (2,590 m) is located in Darjeeling. It is considered as one of the best view points of Kangchenjunga the third highest mountain in the world. Kangchenjunga is located in Sikkim,India.It has altitude of 8,586 m (28,169 ft).During the Sun rise, the change of colour on the peaks of Kangchenjunga creates colourful experience.
It (Tiger Hill) is considered as one of the best view points of Kangchenjunga the third highest mountain in the world. Kangchenjunga is located in Sikkim,India.It has altitude of 8,586 m (28,169 ft).

The great Indian film maker Satyajit Ray made a classical movie on Kangchenjunga (1962).

Enjoy your visit..Thanks!!!!
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Incredible India - "Scotland of the East" - Shillong

Incredible India - "Scotland of the East" - Shillong.It is the capital of Indian State Meghalaya (The name means "the abode of clouds" ).It is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet.

Sohra or Cherrapunjee nearby place ,is reportedly the wettest place on Earth.

Umiam Lake is a reservoir  of Shillong in the state of Meghalaya, India.The panorama view and cool breeze will be an awesome experience.



How to go: Located 131.5 km (81.7 mi) from Guwahati which can be accessed by road along NH 40, a journey of about 2 hours 30 minutes through lush green hills and the magnificent Umiam lake in between.
There is a small airport namely Umroi Airport.It has limited connectivity with Kolkata International Airport.


Enjoy your visit..Thanks!!!!

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Nan Hua Temple - a remarkable Buddhist temple in South Africa

Nan Hua Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Africa. It is located around 120 km from Johannesburg (N1 Pretoria and N4). The temple is situated in the Cultural Park suburb of Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa.

It was a sunny day. The sky was clear and blue. Had fantastic visit. It was a public holiday so got opportunity to get lunch there. Lunch was awesome (pure vegetarian and healthy).Another observation is that, complete silence must prevail during lunch.

Those who have plan to visit this beautiful country they should add this in their watch list. A perfect weekend gateway. Also there are around 66 self catering houses where people can get their accommodation.

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South Africa's famous Panorama Route - Part 2

Mpumalanga, South Africa is truly an area of breathtaking scenic magnificence. Mpumalanga is known as Paradise Country for it's brilliant canyons, waterfalls.The green mountain scenery and panoramic views are quite spectacular and give the area its name of 'Panorama Route' and it justifies it's name.

The "Blyde River Canyon" is a prominent natural feature of Mpumalanga,South Africa. It forms the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment. Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons on Earth.

‘Three Rondavels' (also called 'Three Sisters’) are three huge, round rocks.It looks like the houses or huts of the indigenous people.

Gods Window : A place for the panoramic view of the valley.

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South Africa's famous Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Bourke's Luck Potholes, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Blyde and Treur rivers meet and form these giant potholes.These cylindrical potholes mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon.

Tom Bourke, a gold digger was the first man who predicted that large gold deposits would be found in this area. He didn't get success, but other prospectors had more luck in the area (South Africa is a world leader in mining. The country is famous for its abundance of mineral resources including gold, Diamond,Platinum.

How to Go: Graskop is the gate way to the Panorama Route.you'll need to travel roughly 35 kilometers due north of Graskop on the R 532.

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